Actor and producer John Kani was looking forward to playing the lead role of Troy alongside Khutjo Green who plays his wife and Atandwa Kani who plays Cory, Sbusiso Mamba, Hlomla Dandala, and Lunga Radebe in 'Fences' by August Wilson. Rehearsals had already kicked off at the Joburg Theatre and he had created a bond with the crew and cast. 

FALLING ILL

Joburg Theatre has since announced the changes to the cast in a statement after Dr. John Kani fell ill. "Joburg Theatre announces with heavy hearts that Dr. John Kani will be stepping down from the lead role in August Wilson's FENCES taking place from 02 ?" 26 February 2023 due to ill health.' The show will however continue. "We are, however, pleased that he will continue to work with the Theatre as a co-producer.  The cast is filled with energetic creatives that will deliver phenomenal stirring performances throughout the run.' In the production, Tumisho Masha will take the leading role of Troy who was played by Dr. John Kani, Lunga Radebe will replace Tumisho Masha and play Jim Bono. "The renowned Masha was originally cast in the role of Jim Bono, Troy's best friend. Actor, dramaturg, and writer Lunga Radebe will be playing Jim Bono; Troy's best friend,' the statement continues. 

WORD FROM DR JOHN KANI

The veteran playwright says Troy is a role that he has long dreamed of playing. "However, a bout of vertigo and the concurrent imbalance that it causes is precluding me from stepping on stage in this demanding role,' he says. "I will, however, continue to play a significant role as a co-producer and continue to be part of the rehearsals working closely with the director and the cast.'

 Dr. Kani says he is delighted to advise that the director has chosen the highly talented and experienced actor, Tumisho Masha, to succeed me in the role. " I have no doubt that Tumisho will do great justice to this challenging part - as I would have done. I would like to wish the director, the cast, the designers, and the crew great success in staging this exciting work. I am quite sure that I shall recover from this temporary medical condition and be back at work again soon.'

ABOUT THE PLAY

Fences is a play created in 1985. It tells the story of a family, headed by Troy and his wife Rose (played by Khutjo Green) navigating various hurdles with their son Cory (played by Atandwa Kani), Troy's brother Gabriel (played by Sbusiso Mamba), his best friend Jim Bono (played by Lunga Radebe) and Lyons (Hlomla Dandala), Troy's son from a previous relationship. It explores evolving African American experience, race relations, and other themes which resonate with what South Africa experienced during Apartheid.